International Volunteering in Southern Africa: Potential for Change?

This book is the result of a two and a half year process. During this time the South African German Network (SAGE Net) supported and reflected on the weltwärts volunteer programme, its implementation and the support mechanisms provided, both within SAGE Net and in South Africa, and examined implications for its further development. The aim of the book is to make the most important results of this process widely accessible. The book is published in English since it not only addresses the German weltwärts community, but seeks to find readers outside Germany, especially in South Africa.

Twelve chapters document the international volunteering experience through the voices of researchers, volunteers and other players in the international volunteer landscape. The book thus takes a look at weltwärts and international volunteering from different perspectives – both South and North. It aims to provide a constructive, critical contribution to the current discussion at a time when international volunteering is receiving fresh impetus in many countries.

The fundamental questions addressed in these contributions are these: What is the potential for change among all the actors involved in international volunteering, and how can projects be designed to ensure their relevance and sustainability for all? The chapters attempt to answer these questions and, together, show clearly that only a holistic view of international volunteering can produce the socio-economic changes from which all parties will benefit.